Redwood China and Illumina Launch Smart Healthcare Genomics Incubator (Illumina Technology-Driven)

PE Daily (ID: pedaily2012) reported on February 1 that,Sequoia CapitalHongShan and Illumina, the global leader in gene sequencing and chip solutions, jointly announced the launch ofHongShanChina IntelligenceMedical Genomics Incubator (Powered by Illumina Technology),to further advance China's gene sector innovationSnibeecosystem development. This innovative platform will be dedicated to supporting life sciences startups, driving their breakthroughs and advancement in the innovative application of gene technologies.

This incubator represents another strategic initiative by HongShan, following the recent establishment of its Digital Intelligence Industry Incubation Center in Shanghai. Leveraging years of accumulated expertise in specialized investment, it aims to empower entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector. Illumina will also contribute to this incubator by providing technical resources through its global startup support platform, Illumina for Startups, which includes two Illumina accelerators located in the San Francisco Bay Area, USA, and Cambridge, UK.

Global Executive Partner, HongShanPartner, Founding and Managing Partner of HongShanNeil Shen“Amid the current wave of innovation and entrepreneurship, which is undergoing a new phase of accelerated momentum, investment institutions must strengthen their ability to ‘orchestrate ecosystems’ and proactively participate in the incubation of innovative enterprises. By facilitating deep connections between entrepreneurs and high-quality global industrial and technological resources at the source, we can better translate technological prowess into products and services that benefit society. Through this collaboration with Illumina to build an innovation ecosystem in genomics, we aim to help incubate more emerging startup stars in this field in China. Looking ahead, we will continue to explore and seize cooperation opportunities in the healthcare industry, joining hands with more partners to jointly advance the cause of human health.”

“Illumina has nurtured and founded numerous highly successful, venture-backed genomics startups through the Illumina Accelerator in the United States and the United Kingdom,” said Francis deSouza, President and Chief Executive Officer of Illumina. “Today, the incubator program we are launching in partnership with HongShan will initiate comprehensive collaboration with leading Chinese genomics startups, unlocking the power of genomics to deliver more innovative genomic technologies and clinical solutions to this vibrant and high-potential market.”

Fu Jun, Deputy Director of the Zhangjiang Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone Administrative Committee, stated, “We are delighted that this leading life sciences incubator is soon to be established in Zhangjiang Science City. Zhangjiang boasts a rich healthcare industry chain and diverse business ecosystems. We place great emphasis on polymorphic innovation, making it an internationally renowned highland for innovation that supports the full lifecycle growth of medical enterprises. Congratulations on the establishment of the HongShan China Intelligent Medical Genomics Incubator!”

During each six-month incubation cycle, held twice a year, selected startups will receive comprehensive investment and empowerment-focused entrepreneurial coaching from HongShan, specialized support from Illumina in the field of genomics, and access to a fully equipped, modern laboratory located in Shanghai (including the use of Illumina’s globally leading sequencing platforms and sequencing reagents). The inaugural acceleration camp of this incubator was launched in the fall of 2021.

“Driven by the Chinese government’s forward-looking industrial strategic planning and long-term investment, this market boasts the world’s most vibrant ecosystem for gene-tech startups. We are delighted to bring Illumina’s highly successful global technologies and innovation models to more Chinese entrepreneurial enterprises.” Vice President of Illumina and General Manager of Greater ChinaLi Qingstated, “The HongShan China Intelligent Medical Genomics Incubator (powered by Illumina technology) will undoubtedly inject significant momentum into innovation and entrepreneurship in China’s genomics sector, while further demonstrating Illumina’s confidence in and commitment to the future of the Chinese market.”